Adapter to convert a hollow core roll product for dispensing from a coreless roll dispenser

ABSTRACT

An adapter assembly for mounting a paper roll product having a central hollow cylindrical core in a coreless roll dispenser includes side plates having a shape and size so as to frictionally engage with the hollow core of the paper roll product. The outer face of the side plates is substantially flush with the respective sides of the paper roll product. A female recess is defined in the outer face of the side plates at a location corresponding to the rotational axis of the plates and paper roll product. The female recess has a shape and size so as to be engaged by male protrusions of the coreless roll dispenser. At least one longitudinally extending connecting member may be disposed between the inner faces of the side plates within the hollow core of the paper roll product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for dispensing hollow core roll paper products, such as bathroom tissue paper, paper towels, and the like.

[0002] The majority of roll paper products, such as bathroom tissue, paper towels, and the like, include a rolled web formed around a hollow core member typically made from cardboard, plastic, etc. These conventional roll products come in various sizes, including “jumbo” rolls having a diameter of greater than about 8 inches and a hollow core member having a diameter of at least about 3 inches. These “jumbo” rolls are typically used in public restrooms and other high traffic areas and significantly reduce the need to constantly monitor and refill the dispensers.

[0003] In the relatively recent past, the industry has developed solid wound or “coreless” rolls of paper products. Generally speaking, these solid or coreless rolls are wound completely of the paper material and do not contain a hollow spindle or core of any type. A relatively small (i.e., 0.5 inch) diameter divot or recess is formed in each side of the paper roll and define the rotational axis of the roll. The coreless rolls are dispensed in dispensers having protrusions or dowels that engage directly in and bear against the divots. U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,148 to Mitchell describes one method of manufacturing coreless rolls and also illustrates a typical coreless roll dispenser. The '148 patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The published PCT Application No. WO 99/26521 describes another type of coreless roll dispenser and associated adapters. This PCT Application is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0004] In certain situations, it may be desired to dispense conventional hollow core roll products from coreless roll dispensers, for example when an abundant supply of the hollow core roll products, particularly the “jumbo” roll products, are readily available. However, this is not possible with conventional dispensers or coreless roll adapters. A need thus exists for a versatile adapter that can convert a conventional hollow core roll paper product, particularly a “jumbo” roll product, for dispensing from a coreless roll dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, or may be learned from the description or through practice of the invention.

[0006] The present invention relates to an adapter assembly for converting a conventional hollow core roll paper product for dispensing from a coreless roll dispenser. Although the adapter assembly may have application for any size or configuration of hollow core roll product, it is particularly useful for converting “jumbo” hollow core roll products. These jumbo roll products may have a hollow core member with a diameter of about 3.5 inches, with the overall diameter of the product being about at least 8.0 inches.

[0007] The adapter assembly according to the invention is not limited by use with any particular type of coreless roll dispenser. The adapter assembly converts the hollow core roll products for dispensing from any coreless roll dispenser that utilizes relatively small diameter (i.e. 0.5 inches) male protrusions or dowel-like members designed for engaging within female divots or recesses defined in the sides of conventional solid wound coreless rolls.

[0008] It should also be appreciated that the adapter assembly according to the invention is not limited by any particular material or manufacturing process. For example, the adapter assembly components may be molded from relatively inexpensive plastic materials, etc.

[0009] The adapter assembly includes side plates having a shape and a size so as to frictionally engage within the hollow core of the paper roll product. For example, the side plates may have a substantially circular cross sectional profile with a diameter generally matching that of the hollow core of the roll product for which the adapter assembly is intended. The side plates have an outer face and an inner face. When installed in a hollow core roll product, the outer faces of the side plates are flush with the respective sides of the roll product. A relatively small diameter female recess is defined in the outer face of the side plates at a location corresponding essentially to the rotational access of the plates and roll product. The female recess has a shape and size so as to be engaged by the male protrusions or dowels of the intended coreless roll dispenser. The female recess may be defined by a divot formed in the side plates, or a hole defined through the side plates.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the side plates are independent of each other and are not connected. In this embodiment, the side plates may include a longitudinally extending circumferential edge having an adhesive material, such as glue, wax, etc., disposed on the circumferential edge. The adhesive material serves to bond or adhere the circumferential edge of the plates directly to the interior circumferential surface of the roll product hollow core. The adhesive material may be disposed on a circumferential edge in any pattern, for example, a continuous band around the circumference of the side plates.

[0011] In another embodiment, the side plates may be formed from breakaway segments that are intended to separate or “break” off of the side plates if an attempt is made to dislodge or remove the side plates from the roll product. This feature is meant to discourage theft and vandalism of the roll product. The break away segments may be defined, for example, by score lines that extend radially from the female recess.

[0012] In alternate embodiments of the adapter assembly, a connecting member is disposed between the inner faces of the side plates. This connecting member may take on various shapes and configurations. For example, in a relatively simple embodiment, the connecting member may be a central rod disposed along the rotational axis of the adapter assembly. This rod may have various cross sectional profiles. For example, the rod may be a substantially solid cylindrical member, or may have a cross-shaped cross sectional profile. Other profiles are also possible. In an additional embodiment, a plurality of rods may be disposed between the side plates and off set from the rotational access. Any number and pattern of connecting rods may be used.

[0013] In still a further embodiment, the connecting member may comprise a cylindrical member having generally the same diameter as the side plates. In this embodiment, the side plates and cylindrical connecting member may be formed as an integral or unitary component. For example, the entire adapter assembly may be molded as a single component. The cylindrical connecting member may be hollow or solid.

[0014] In an embodiment of a generally hollow cylindrical connecting member, a plurality of holes are disposed in the cylindrical member. This embodiment is particularly useful if it is desired to apply an adhesive between the assembly and the roll product core after the assembly has been inserted into the core. For example, after the adapter has been slid into the hollow core, a spray nozzle or similar device may be inserted into the interior of the hollow cylindrical member through either of the side plate female recesses for spraying an adhesive into the hollow cylindrical member. The holes ensure that a bond is formed between the cylindrical connecting member and the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the hollow cylindrical connecting member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending segments. These segments may be separated by longitudinally extending slits or openings. In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending segments may be deformable along defined bend lines such that the segments bow outwardly upon compression of the side plates. The segments may include an adhesive material disposed thereon such that once the assembly has been inserted into the hollow core of a roll product, the side plates are pressed together which causes the segments to bow outward and press against the inner surface of the hollow core.

[0016] An adhesive material may be disposed in any pattern on the connecting member. For example, in one embodiment, an adhesive material such as glue, wax, or the like, is disposed as a complete band around the circumference of the connecting member. In an alternate embodiment, an adhesive material may be applied in longitudinal strips, etc.

[0017] In still another embodiment, a threaded surface is defined on the cylindrical connecting member. The threaded surface may be defined, for example, by a relatively simple spiral male member. With this type of configuration, the assembly is essentially “screwed” into the hollow core of the roll product.

[0018] The connecting member may also include a telescoping configuration between at least two components. This embodiment may be particularly useful if the adapter assembly is to accommodate different lengths of rolled products.

[0019] The invention will be described in greater detail below through reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly according to the invention inserted into a hollow core paper roll product;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an adapter assembly;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter assembly particularly illustrating a cross-shaped connecting member;

[0024]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating a segmented cylindrical connecting member;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating a telescoping connecting member;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating a solid cylindrical connecting member;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention wherein the adapter has an overall cylindrical shape;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating a hollow cylindrical connecting member having holes defined in the surface thereof;

[0029]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating a cylindrical connecting member having a threaded outer surface;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating a cylindrical connecting member with longitudinally defined segments and score lines;

[0031]FIG. 12 is a perspective view the embodiment of FIG. 11 particularly illustrating the segments in an outwardly bowed configuration;

[0032]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating an adhesive material applied to a cylindrical connecting member;

[0033]FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention particularly illustrating separate side plate members; and

[0034]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an adapter assembly according to the invention incorporating separate side plate members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the figures. It should be appreciated that each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations to the examples and embodiments described herein.

[0036] Various embodiments, generally 10, of an adapter assembly according to the invention are illustrated in the figures. Referring to FIG. 1, the adapter assembly 10 is designed to allow mounting and dispensing of a conventional paper roll product 12 having a central hollow core 14 in a coreless roll dispenser, for example, the coreless roll dispensers depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,148 and the published PCT Application WO 99/26521 which have been incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. As is understood in the art, coreless roll dispensers typically utilize a relatively short and small diameter male protrusion or dowel to engage within a correspondingly sized divot or recess formed in the sides of solid wound roll products. The adapter 10 according to the invention reconfigures the sides 13 of conventional hollow core roll products 12 for engagement by the male protrusion members of conventional coreless roll dispensers.

[0037] Although the adapter assemblies 10 according to the invention are not limited for use with hollow core roll products 12 of any particular size, they are especially suited for converting “jumbo” hollow core roll products for dispensing in coreless roll dispensers. As mentioned, the “jumbo” roll products are typically used in high traffic areas, such as public restrooms and the like. These “jumbo” roll products have a relatively large diameter central core member, for example, the hollow cores may have diameters in excess of 3.0 inches, and the overall product may have a diameter of greater than 8.0 inches.

[0038] Embodiments of the adapter assembly 10 illustrated in the figures include opposite side plates 16. Although not limited in their overall shape or configuration, the side plate 16 may have circular cross sectional profiles with a diameter essentially matching the diameter of the hollow core member 14 of the intended paper roll product 12. In the illustrated embodiments, the side plates 16 have generally flat and planer outer faces 18 and inner faces 20. Although not illustrated in the figures, it should be appreciated that the side plates need not have planer surfaces. For example, the side plates 16 may be configured as a spoked wheel, and the like. The side plates 16 are designed so that the outer face 18 lies generally flush with the side 13 of the paper roll product 12 when the adapter assembly 10 is inserted in the hollow core 14. The side plates 16 may include a longitudinally extending circumferential edge 22, as particularly seen in FIGS. 1-7. This circumferential edge 22 provides a desired amount of surface area for frictionally engaging within the hollow core 14.

[0039] In particular embodiments, it may desired that the diameter of the side plates 16 is essentially the same as that of the hollow core member 14 so that the side plates are frictionally engaged within the hollow core 14 without the necessity of additional adhering or connecting components. However, it may also be desired to provide an adhesive material 54, such as glue, wax, and any other suitable adhesive material, on the circumferential edge 22 of the side plates, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 7, 14, and 15. The adhesive material 54 ensures that a bond is formed between the circumferential edge 22 of the side plates 16 and the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core 14. The adhesive material 54 may be of a type that is activated after the adapter assembly 10 has been inserted into the hollow core 14 so that the adhesive material 54 does not interfere with the insertion or assembly process.

[0040] The side plates 16 in one particular embodiment of the invention have a diameter of about 3.5 inches. This embodiment is particularly useful for converting “jumbo” paper roll products having relatively large diameter hollow core members 14. It should be understood that the diameter of the side plates may vary according to the diameter of the intended paper roll product 12.

[0041] A female recess, generally 24, is defined in the outer faces 18 of the side plates 16. The female recess 24 is disposed at a location corresponding to the rotational axis of the side plates 16 and, thus, the paper roll product 12 overall. The female recess has a diameter corresponding to that of the male protrusion or dowel of the coreless roll adapter for which the paper roll product 12 is intended. In particular embodiments, the female recess 24 has a diameter of about 0.5 inches. The recess 24 may be defined as a divot 26, or as a through hole 28 defined in the side plates 16.

[0042] In certain embodiments of the adapter assembly 10, a connecting member, generally 30 is disposed between the side plates 16. The connecting member 30 may take on various shapes and configurations. For example, referring to FIGS. 1-4, the connecting member 30 may be a relatively simply rod 32. If a single rod 32 is used, it may be disposed coaxial with the rotational axis of the adapter assembly 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. If multiple rods are used, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3, the rods 32 may be offset from the rotational axis. The rods 32 may be relatively simple cylindrical members, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, or may have a more complex cross sectional profile, for example the cross-shaped rod 34 illustrated in FIG. 4. The rods 32, 34 may be formed integral with the side plates 16, or may be separate components that are later attached to the inner faces 20 of the side plates 16.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment of a connecting member 30, a cylindrical member, generally 36, is disposed between the side plates 16. The cylindrical member 36 may also take on various shapes and configurations. The cylindrical member may be a solid member having a diameter which is the same as the side plates 16. For example, the entire adapter assembly 10 may simply be a section of a solid cylinder, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In alternate embodiments, the cylindrical member 36 may have a diameter less than that of the side plates 16 wherein the adapter assembly 10 has the overall configuration of a spool, for example as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0044] The cylindrical connecting member 36 may also be hollow, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9. In these embodiments, the adapter assembly 10 may be molded as a single plastic component. Referring to FIG. 5, the cylindrical connecting member 36 is defined by longitudinally extending segments 38 that are defined by circumferentially spaced slits or openings 40.

[0045]FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a cylindrical connecting member 36 that is hollow and has holes 42 defined in the circumferential surface thereof. The female recesses defined in the side plates 16 are through holes 28. With this embodiment, it is possible to insert the assembly 10 into a hollow core 14 of the paper roll product and to then insert a spray nozzle or similar device into the interior of the assembly 10 through one of the side plate holes 28 for spraying an adhesive into the cylinder 36. The holes 42 ensure that the adhesive will form a bond between the cylindrical member 36 and the interior circumferential surface of the hollow core 14.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 13, it may also be desired to provide an adhesive material 54 in any desired pattern around the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical connecting member 26. In FIG. 13, the adhesive material 54 is applied as a relatively wide band around the complete circumference of the cylindrical member 36. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the adhesive material 54 is applied in discreet longitudinal strips. It should be appreciated that an adhesive material 54 may be applied in any conventional manner and in any pattern to any surface of the adapter assembly 10 that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core 14.

[0047]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a particular embodiment of a generally hollow cylindrical connecting member 36 having segments 38 defined by slits or openings 40. With this embodiment, bend lines 52 are also provided for the segments 38 so that upon compression of the side plates 16, the segments 38 bow outwardly as illustrated in FIG. 12. The segments 38 include an adhesive material 54 so that once the assembly 10 has been inserted into a hollow core of the paper roll product, the user simply presses the sides 16 towards each other causing the segments 38 to flex outwardly and to adhere against the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core 14.

[0048]FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the connecting member 30 is a telescoping arrangement between a first telescoping member 44 and a second telescoping member 46. With this embodiment, the adapter assembly 10 has a variable length and may thus be used with roll products of different lengths.

[0049]FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment wherein the cylindrical connecting member 36 has a threaded outer surface 48. The threaded surface 48 may be defined by a relatively simple male spiral 50 that wraps around the circumference of the cylindrical member 36. With this embodiment, the adapter assembly 10 is essentially “screwed” into the hollow core 14 of the paper roll product.

[0050]FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate embodiments of the adapter assembly 10 that do not necessarily need a connecting member between the side plates 16. With these embodiments, the side plates 10 have a relatively pronounced or exaggerated circumferential edge 22 having an adhesive material 54 applied as a complete band around the circumferential edge 22. The side plates 16 are separately inserted by a technician into the opposite sides of the hollow core 14 and the adhesive material 54 ensures that the plates 16 are securely held in place within the hollow core 14.

[0051]FIG. 15 illustrates an additional feature wherein the side plates 16 are formed by break-away segments 56 defined by score lines 58. If an attempt is made to remove the side plates 16 after they have been adhered to the hollow core member 14, the side plates will break into individual segments along the score lines 58. This feature should deter vandalism or theft of the paper roll products.

[0052] It should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the adapter assembly 10 illustrated and described herein are not limited by any particular material or manufacturing process. For example, the adapter assemblies 10 may be formed of wood, plastic, solidified foam, etc. It is well within the level of those skilled the art to manufacture the adapter assemblies 10 in an economical process out of a wide variety of materials.

[0053] It should also be appreciated that various modifications and variations can be made to any of the adapter assemblies described herein that come within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the invention include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly for mounting a paper roll product having a central hollow cylindrical core in a coreless roll dispenser that utilizes protrusions configured to extend into divots or recesses defined in the sides of a solid wound coreless roll, said adapter comprising: side plates having a shape and size so as to frictionally engage within the hollow core of the paper roll product such that an outer face of said side plates is substantially flush with the respective side of the paper roll product; a female recess defined in said outer face of said side plates at a location corresponding to the rotational axis of said side plates and the paper roll product, said female recess having a shape and size so as to be engaged by the protrusions of the coreless roll dispenser; and at least one longitudinally extending connecting member disposed between inner faces of said side plates.
 2. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said side plates have a generally circular cross-section with a diameter generally matching the diameter of the hollow core of the paper roll product.
 3. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said female recess comprises a hole defined through said side plates.
 4. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said female recess comprises a divot defined in said side plates.
 5. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said connecting member comprises a central rod disposed along said rotational axis.
 6. The assembly as in claim 5, wherein said rod comprises a generally circular cross-sectional profile.
 7. The assembly as in claim 5, wherein said rod comprises a cross-shaped cross-sectional profile.
 8. The assembly as in claim 1, comprising of plurality of said connecting members offset from said rotational axis.
 9. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said side plates have a generally circular cross-section with a diameter generally matching the diameter of the hollow core of the paper roll product, said connecting member comprising a cylindrical member having a diameter generally the same as said side plates.
 10. The assembly as in claim 9, wherein said cylindrical member is formed integral with said side plates.
 11. The assembly as in claim 10, wherein said cylindrical member is hollow.
 12. The assembly as in claim 9, wherein said hollow member further comprises a plurality of holes defined therein, and said female recess comprises a hole defined through said side plates.
 13. The assembly as in claim 11, wherein said hollow member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending segments.
 14. The assembly as in claim 13, wherein said segments are configured to flex outwardly upon compression of said side plates.
 15. The assembly as in claim 9, further comprising an adhesive material disposed on said cylindrical member for adhering said connecting member to the hollow core of the paper roll product.
 16. The assembly as in claim 15, wherein said adhesive material is disposed as a band around said connecting member.
 17. The assembly as in claim 9, wherein said cylindrical member comprises a threaded surface.
 18. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said connecting member comprises at least two telescoping components.
 19. The assembly as in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive material disposed on a circumferential edge of said side plates for adhering said side plates to the hollow core of the paper roll product.
 20. The assembly as in claim 1, wherein said side plates have a generally circular cross-section profile with a diameter of about 3.5 inches, and said female recess has a diameter of about 0.5 inches.
 21. An adapter assembly for mounting a paper roll product having a central hollow cylindrical core in a coreless roll dispenser that utilizes protrusions configured to extend into divots or recesses defined in the sides of a solid wound coreless roll, said adapter comprising: side plates having a generally circular cross-sectional profile and a diameter so as to frictionally engage within the hollow core of the paper roll product such an outer face of said side plates is flush with the respective side of the paper roll product; a female recess defined in said outer face at a location corresponding to the rotational axis of said side plates and the paper roll product, said female recess having a shape and size so as to be engaged by the protrusions of the coreless roll dispenser; and said side plates further comprising a longitudinally extending edge having an adhesive material disposed thereon for adhering said edge to the hollow core of the roll product.
 22. The assembly as in claim 21, wherein said adhesive material is disposed as a band around said edge.
 23. The assembly as in claim 21, wherein said sides plates comprise break-away segments such that said sides plates cannot be removed once installed in the hollow core of the roll product without destroying said side plates.
 24. The assembly as in claim 23, wherein said segments are defined by score lines extending radially from said female recess.
 25. The assembly as in claim 21, further comprising a connecting member extending between said side plates. 